Creative/Outside The Box Video Distribution Ideas

[genepensiero]

hey there everyone.

here's what i'm doing R&D on...

here at our church we have quite a spectrum when it comes to our video distribution. video goes from the sanctuary to 8 different locations. we have 5 TV's connected via coax (some about 25' run, some 150'+), a couple LCD monitors connected via VGA in the foyer, we've got a long CAT5 run to a projector for our overflow chapel, another CAT5 run to a LCD tv using VGA again.

obviously the system has been adjusted and expanded over the last 7 or 8 years.

stuff is starting to burn out now (especially the older gear) and i'm trying to figure out options.

like most churches, we don't have 10-20 grand to 'do it right'. but, we're not in the business of cheaping out either.

we've got a Kramer Scaler/Switcher that controls the inputs, but then the outputs are a jumble of mickey mouse boxes and splitters.

i'm trying to figure out which direction we should go. right now, i suppose i'm leaning toward running CAT5 everywhere and putting a converter on the end to deliver to the individual TVs/Monitors/Projectors, but i'm also trying to get other opinions.

i'm especially looking into video distribution solutions using the internet. maybe by utilizing something like Roku or Apple TV. i know those aren't super developed ways of distributing video (if at all), but, like i said, i'm just in R&D.

so what do you guys think? realistically, we're not a church with a huge budget, but we care about things working.

been doing a lot of reading here and elsewhere. i know people are passionate about their particular distros and companies. would just love to hear what you would do.

blessings

[sempei13]

If it's live you want, I think the Cat5 idea is the best solution. Roku or appletv would be better for times when a slight delay isn't a big deal (like remotely or for digital signage).

Paul